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Winter Friends campaign launches

Local Officers have teamed up with Leeds City Council to help spread key messages which will help keep the most vulnerable within our communities safe this winter.

Did you know that, in Leeds, there are on average 350 excess winter deaths (December – March) each year suggesting that much more can be done to support those most at risk

We know that anyone can be at risk of cold weather but we all are reminded that those who are at greatest risk are:

Aged 65 and over

Those suffering from a long term medical condition

Children 2 or 3 years old

Pregnant

Or a carer

Just a few simple interventions may save someone’s life this Winter:

Flu vaccinations

Review of medicines

Heating review

Ensuring regular hot meals & drinks

Safeguarding against falls & promoting personal safety

Minimising social isolation

Here in Leeds, WYP have identified key operational staff and volunteers to become advocates of the Winter Friends scheme. They have attended a workshop with experts from Public Health and have access to key resources to support this campaign.

If you are worried about someone this Winter or you yourself feel that you need some support or advice, please get in touch with the Neighbourhood Coordinator for your area of Leeds or email the Crime Reduction Team on [email protected]

A winter checklist, detailing the agencies working with us on the campaign and their contact numbers is available via our advocates, so please get in touch without delay. You could be saving someone’s life this Winter!